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WHAT HAS 

HAPPENED 

ON AND AROUND 

NANTUCKET. 



• ^T^M, 




■ ...•^/.w. 



7{ Compieie J^/story of 9^antuokei 
in Condensed Jorm. 



V 



Settlers^' 



WHAT HAS 

HAPPENED 

ON AND AROUND 

NANTUCKET. 




•...^'/^ 



Jt Compleie SIfistory of ^aniucAei 
in Condensed Jorm. 



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X 



•A'^T^O, 



THE INQUIRER AND MIRROR PRESS 

NANTUCKET, MASS. 

1920. 



Copyright 1917, by Harry B. Turner. 
Copyright 1920. by Harry B. Turner. 



g)CU570l39 



MAY 26 i^^O 



FOREWORD. 



When the first edition of "Argument Settlers" was is- 
sued in 1917, it was solely for the purpose of preserving 
interesting and valuable historic data regarding the island 
of Nantucket. It was not thought that the little book 
would ever meet a demand sufficient to warrant another 
edition. Within a year, however, the value of the data 
contained within its pages proved that "Argument Set- 
tlers" was worthy of its title and the edition of 1917 was 
soon exhausted. 

The second edition is issued in a somewhat more com- 
plete form. Numerous corrections and additions have 
been made in its pages, so that "Argument Settlers" now 
appears in as near an authentic form as it is possible to 
make it. Since the first edition was printed some valuable 
data that could not be determined at that time has been se- 
cured and many events now appear of record within its 
pages which were omitted in the first edition. 

The year 1918 was so replete with interesting events 
and it was such an unusual year for Nantucket, that sev- 
eral pages are herein devoted to covering the record for 
that year, which, in the future, will be found of value for 
reference to all who possess copies of "Argument Settlers." 
Virtually, thi^ little book is the most complete and reli- 
able history of Nantucket yet published, as it covers his- 
toric facts and chronicles interesting events compiled from 
year to year, all presented in the most condensed fonn 
practicable. 

Harry B. Turner. 

Nantucket, Mass., 1920. 



Condensed JV/story ofTfantucket. 



1602. 

The island of Nantucket was discovered by Barthol- 
omew Gosnold, an Englishman, who sailed from England 
in a small bark, with thirty-two persons, bound for Vir- 
ginia, in search of a proper site for a plantation. The 
first land seen was Sankaty Head. The Indian population 
at that time is said to have been about 1,500. 

1630. 

A war occurred between the Eastern and Western 
tribes of Indians, according to tradition. 

1639. 

Thomas Macy, who became one of the first settlers of 
Nantucket, came from England this year and settled at 
Salisbury, where he and his wife (Sarah Hopcott) lived 
twenty years before coming to Nantucket. 

1641. 

The island was deeded to Thomas Mayhew and his 
son Thomas, by James Forrett, agent of William, Earl of 
Sterling. 

1659. 

Thomas Macy and family, accompanied by Edward 
Starbuck and Isaac Coleman, moved from Salisbury to 
Nantucket, and were the first white people who lived on 
the island. 

This year the island was deeded by Mayhew to the ten 



original purchasers for the sum of thirty pounds sterling 
and two beaver hats. The ten purchasers were: Tristram 
Coffin, senior, Thomas Macy, Christopher Hussey, Richard 
Swain, Thomas Barnard, Peter Coffin, Stephen Greenleaf, 
John Swain, William Pile. Thomas Mayhew reserved one- 
tenth of the island, together with Masquetuck, or Quaise. 
Each of the above chose an "associate" with whom to set- 
tle the island, namely: Tristram Coffin, junior, John Smith, 
Robert Pike, Robert Barnard, Thomas Coleman, Edward 
Starbuck, Nathaniel Starbuck, Thomas Look, James Coffin, 
Thomas Mayhew, junior. 

The Indian population had decreased to about seven 
hundred. 

Tuckernuck island was this year deeded by Thomas 
Mayhew to Tristram Coffin, Sr., Peter Coffin, Tristram Cof- 
fin, Jr., and James Coffin, for the sum of six pounds. 

1660. 

Ten families moved to Nantucket from Salisbury. 
The west end of the island was bought from the In- 
dians, 

1662. 

The first death of a white person on Nantucket, on 
October 31st — Jean, wife of Richard Swain. 

1663. 

Peter Folger moved to the island. 

The inhabitants gained a livelihood by farming and 
fishing. 

The island, with the exception of Quaise, was divided 
into twenty-seven parts. 

Mary Starbuck, the first white child, born on Nantuck- 



et the 30th of March. Was the daughter of Nathaniel 
Starbuck and Mary Coffin (seventh child of Tristram). 

1664. 

The land owned by Sachems Wanackmamack ana 
Nickanoose sold by them to the original purchasers for the 
sum of twenty-six pounds. 

1665. 

King Philip (Metacomet), of Mount Hope, visited the 
island in search of an Indian offender. 

First marriage occurred April 11 — William Worth and 
Sarah Macy. 

1666. 

Peter Folger (who was the grandfather of Benjamin 
Franklin) agreed to become miller. The first mill for 
grinding com was built near Wesko pond (afterwards 
known as the Lily Pond). 

1667. 

Abiah Folger, mother of Benjamin Franklin, bom Au- 
gust 15. 

1671. 

The town was incorporated, its location being near Ca- 
paum and Maxcy's ponds. The site of the town was grad- 
ually changed to "Wesko," its present site, between this 
year and 1720. 

1672. 
First whale caught. James Loper made an agree- 

8 



ment to carry on the whale fishery, but there is no record 
of the agreement being fulfilled. 

Capt. John Gardner, of Salem, came to the island to 
"set up the trade for the taking of codfish." 

^ 1673. 

Whaling commenced in boats from the shore. 

The town was called Sherburne by order of Francis 
Lovelace, governor of New York, April 18th. The island 
at that time belonged to the province of New York. 

1676. 

About this time Sesachacha and Siasconset villages 
were built. Also a cluster of whale houses at Miacomet, 
together with fishing stages at Peedee and Quidnet, and 
the fishing stage at Weweeder. Sesachacha village con- 
tinued in existence 140 years, the last house being moved 
to Siasconset in 1820. 

1681. 
Death of Tristram Coflfin on October 3d. 

1682. 
Thomas Macy died April 19, aged 74 years. 

1686. 

The ''Oldest House," now standing on Sunset Hill, 
was built this year for Jethro Coffin, who married Mary 
Gardner. 

1690. 

The town hired Ichabod Paddock to instruct its people 
in the best manner of killing whales and extracting their 
oil. 

9 



1692. 

The island, previously a part of New York, became, by- 
request of the proprietors, a part of Massachusetts, under 
an act of parliament. 

1698. 

Thomas Chalkley, a distinguished minister of the So- 
ciety of Friends, visited the island. 

First vessel larger than a rowboat, owned on the isl- 
and, was sloop Mary, bought of Boston parties this year. 

1704. 

The first Society of Friends was formed. 
First execution said to have occurred this year — an In- 
dian, for murder. 

1707. 

The first "town-house" was built this year north of 
"No Bottom Pond." 

1708. 

Yearly meeting of the Society of Friends established. 

1711. 

The first (North) Congregational Society formed and 
the first meeting-house (still standing — the vestry build- 
ing) was erected. The site was about two miles v/est of 
its present location. It is said to have been built of oak 
that grew on the island. The name of the first pastor is 
not known. 

The first Friends' meeting-house was also erected this 
year. It stood a little to the southeast of the Forefath- 

10 



ers' or Ancient burial ground, on land adjoining their first 
burial place. The building, which was enlarged in 1716 
by adding 20 feet to its length, was later used as a school- 
house, and was destroyed by fire in 1736. 

1712. 

The first spermaceti whale taken by the Nantucket 
whalers was killed by Christopher Hussey. 

1715. 

The number of vessels engaged in the whale fishery 
was six, all sloops of from thirty to forty tons burden 
each, which produced eleven hundred pounds sterling, or 
$4,888.88. 

1717. 
Mary Starbuck died September 13. 

1719. 
The white population at this time was 721. 

1720. 

A small quantity of oil was sent to London from Nan- 
tucket on ship Hanover. 

1723. 

The first (Straight) wharf was built this year by 
Richard Macy, grandson of the original Thomas Macy. 

Birth of Miriam ("Coffin") Folger on October 9. 

The first mill erected on "Mill Hills" this year by 
Frederick Macy. 

1726. 
The white population had increased to 917. 

11 



1729. 

Twenty-five whaling vessels were owned at Nantuck- 
et at the end of this year. 

1730. 

Quanaty (Quanato) Hill was dug away to make land 
from Union street to the shore. 

The second Friends' meeting-house was started this 
year. It stood near the comer of Main and Saratoga 
streets, within the space known as the "Quaker burial 
ground." 

1732. 

The Rev. Timothy White was pastor of the First Con- 
gregational society. 

1736. 
First Friends' meeting-house destroyed by fire. 

1745. 

A vessel laden with oil was sent to England this year 
as a venture. 

1746. 

The "Old Mill" (still standing) was erected this year 
by Nathan Wilbur. 

Brant Point lighthouse the first on the island, erected 
by private funds. First keeper unknown. 

1750-1. 
First fire-engine purchased. 

12 



1752. 

Death of Abiah Folger Franklin, mother of Benjamin 
Franklin. 

1753. 

A deputy judge came to the island to settle differences 
between the whites and the Indians, holding session in the 
meeting-house. 

1755. 

Three whaling sloops and their crews, consisting of 
thirteen men each, were lost near the Grand Banks. 

^ 1756. 

Three more sloops were lost, and six were taken by 
the French and carried to France, where the crews were 
imprisoned, most of whom never returned home. 

1757. 

The first square-rigged vessels, of 100-tons burden and 
upwards, were fitted out for whaling. 

1759. 

The lighthouse on Brant point was destroyed by fire. 
Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin, founder of the Coffin School, 
born in Boston, May 16. 

The "spider mill" was erected on Mill Hills. 

1760 
The South wharf (now Island Service Co.'s) was 

13 



1762. 
Second fire-engine purchased. 

1763-4. 

The population comprised 3,220 whites and 358 Indi- 
ans. A disease called "yellow fever" or ''plague" broke 
out among the Indians and was very fatal, 222 out of the 
358 dying. The plague continued up to February 16, 
1764, at which time it ceased as suddenly as it commenced. 

Seventy-eight vessels engaged in whaling from Nan- 
tucket. 

1765. 

First Congregational meeting-house moved to its pres- 
ent site, but out of 3,270 whites only 47 were pew holders. 

Whaling in boats from the shore ceased this year, but 
101 vessels were engaged in the whale fishery. 

Hon. Walter Folger born June 12. 

1766. 

One hundred and eighteen vessels cleared from Nan- 
tucket this year. 

1767. 

The Rev. Bazaleel Shaw was pastor of the Congrega- 
tional society. 

1768. 

Eighty Nantucket ships went to the northern whaling 
grounds. 



14 



1769. 

A big fire this year destroyed property valued at 
$11,000. 

The last execution occurred this year, when four In- 
dians were put to death, making a total of ten executions 
in the history of Nantucket. 

Great Point lighthouse established. First keeper un- 
known. 

Third fire-engine purchased. 

1771. 

Union Lodge, F. & A. M., was chartered this year. 
A small-pox hospital was erected by Dr. Samuel Gel- 
ston on Gravelly island. 

^ 1772. 

A fulling and coloring mill established on the island 
this year by a Scotchman named Nichols. Operated un- 
til 1796. Located at Polpis. 

The first sperm candle manufactory was established 
on Nantucket. The business was first established in this 
country in Rhode Island in 1750, the art of manufacturing 
being kept secret for a number of years. 

The William Rotch ware-house built. This building 
is now owned by the Pacific Club, its interior having been 
rebuilt after the fire of 1846. 

1773. 

Ships Dartmouth, Eleanor and Beaver sailed from 

Nantucket for London with oil. After discharging were 

laden with tea and on reaching America took part in the 
"Boston Tea Party." 

15 



Last burial in the old cemetery near Maxcy's pond this 
year — Jonathan Coffin and his wife. 

1774. 

One hundred and fifty sail of vessels were engaged in 
the whale fishery, amounting to 14,867 tons. 

The inhabitants were much troubled with apprehen- 
sions of the approaching rupture between the colonies and 
England, and many removed from the island. 

Population at this time was 4,545, with one clergy- 
man, two doctors and one lawyer resident on the island. 

Town had no public schools at this period. 

Lighthouse on Brant Point blown down. 

1775. 

On May 23 a vessel arrived with over 100 Provincial 
troops, who landed on the wharf and marched up town to 
seize flour alleged to have been landed on Nantucket for 
the use of the British. 

Between this year and 1781 one thousand and six hun- 
dred Nantucketers lost their lives in the Revolutionary 
war. 

Over one hundred and fifty vessels were engaged in 
the whale fishery during this period. 

1776. 

Three mills were in operation on "Mill Hills." 
The well of the famous 'Sconset pump was dug this 
year at a cost of 20 pounds, 4 shillings, 9 pence. 

1777. 

More than a score Nantucket men and boys sailed as 
part of crew of the Ranger with John Paul Jones. 

16 



17778. 

Ratable property on the island valued at $866,630. 
The small-pox hospital on Gravelly island was abol- 
ished and the buildings bought by the town. 

1779. 

Eight British vessels (refugees) came to the bar on 
April 6th and two entered the harbor, their crews plun- 
dering many of the island stores, property being taken to 
the value of $50,000. A committee visited the English 
commander at New; York, who assured them that he had 
given orders that no more depredations should be made. 

1780. 

Great distress for want of provisions and fuel. The 
harbor was frozen over December 20 and remained so 
throughout the winter. Teams drove over ice on harbor 
to bring wood down from Coskata. 

1782. 

A few vessels received permits from the British com- 
mander to sail from Nantucket on whaling voyages unmo- 
lested. 

Brant point lighthouse burned this year. Rebuilt. 

1783. 

The "town house" was moved to the comer of Main 
and Milk streets. 

Nantucket had its first representatives in the legisla- 
ture — Alexander Coffin, Peleg Coffin, Jr., and Stephen Hus- 
sey. 

Brant point lighthouse burned. 

17 



Ship Bedford of Nantucket, Captain William Mooers, 
the first vessel to hoist the American flag in a British port. 
This event occurred on February 3, 1783, the vessel reach- 
ing Nantucket on the return from London, May 31. 

Ship Washington, Capt. George Bunker, was first to 
hoist the American flag in a Spanish Pacific port. 

1784. 

Population 4,269. 

Lighthouse erected on Great point. The same year 
a lighthouse was built and maintained on Brant point by 
the state. 

Tidings of peace were received with great joy by the 
inhabitants. During the war 134 vessels, amounting to 
over 10,000 tons, had been captured by the British and 
many of their men lost their lives. 1200 Nantucket seamen 
were either killed or captured. A total of 1600 Nantiick- 
eters lost their lives due to the war. 

1785. 

The legislature of Massachusetts passed a resolve giv- 
ing a bounty of five pounds for every ton of white sperma- 
ceti oil brought into her ports, sixty shillings a ton for 
yellow spermaceti and forty shillings a ton for whale oil. 

1787. 

Watchmen first placed in the tower to look for fires. 

1788. 



The fifth lighthouse on Brant point was wrecKed in 
heavy storm this year. 

Astronomical clock planned this year by the Hon. Wal- 
ter Folger and finished two years later. 



i 



18 



A 



Ship Penelope, Capt. Tristram Gardner, reachea lati- 
tude 70 degrees in Arctic ocean. On June 20, 1788, the 
Penelope reached 78.44 North and on the 18th reported 
50 ships in sight. 

Nantucket had no representative this year, but Mat- 
thew Mayhew was elected state senator. 

1790. 

Population 4,620. 

Death of Miriam ("CofRn") Folger on March 29 from 
effects of falling down stairs, aged 66 years. 

Hon. Walter Folger's astronomical clock first set in 
motion July 4. 

A vessel was sent to the coast of Africa on a sealing 
cruise, which proved unsuccessful. 

The third Friends' meeting-house was erected this 
year, on Main and Pleasant streets. The building was two 
stories hi^-h and was occasionally used as a court-house. 
It was later moved to a site on Commercial wharf and en- 
tered into the construction of the "Charles G. Coffin store." 

1791. 

The United States government assumed control of 
Brant point lighthouse, which was one of eight transferred 
at that time. 

The first whaling vessel went from the island to the 
Pacific ocean — the Beaver, Capt. Paul Worth, around Cape 
Horn. 

The Nantucket Customs House was established March 
21st, with Stephen Hussey the first Collector. 

1792. 

A duck factory was established by Joseph Chase, 
James Barker and others. 

19 



1793. ' 

Lucretia Mott born January 3. 

1795. 

The name of the town was this year changed from 
Sherburne to Nantucket. 

The old north tower was erected. 

Nantucket Bank incorporated and soon after it was 
robbed of $20,000. 

Only three wigwams were left standing (in Squam). 

Sixteen ships, five brigs and a number of schooners 
sailed from Nantucket. 

A division occurred in the Society of Friends. The 
Friends living north of Main street this year seceded and 
built a new meeting-house on Broad street, next east of the 
present Ocean House. The building was used until 1829, 
and in 1838 was purchased by the Episcopalians, moved to 
the rear of the lot and used as a chapel for the Trinity 
church building erected in 1839. 

• K797. 

The streets of the town were first named. 
First cut nails ever used on the island made this year 
by David Allen. 

Peleg Coffin, Jr., elected state treasurer. 

1798. 

Difficulty between the United States and France — four 
Nantucket ships captured by the French. 

1799. 
A Methodist society was formed this year. The first 

20 



church building .was erected on the southwest corner of 
Fair and Lyons streets and was dedicated on New Year 
Day, 1800. This building was commonly known as the 
**Teazer" meeting-house from the fact that the flag ol 
aloop Teazer was raised over the church during an early 
period of it existence. 

1800. 

The Academy (private) was incoipo rated and a build- 
ing erected on Academy Hill, 

The bell weighing 1,000 pounds was placed in the 
steeple of the First Congregational meeting-house. For 
a few years this bell was rung at sunrise, at 12 and at 9 
daily. 

Population 5,617. 

Joseph Chase maintained a grist mill on Pine street. 

Commercial wharf was started this year. 

1803. 

First fire cistern built. 

A project started for dredging the bar and deepen- 
ing the channel, the cost to be $54,120. Did not mate- 
rialize. 

1804. 

The Pacific National Bank and two Insurance offices 
were established. 

Forty-eight ships engaged in the whale fishery. 

1805. 
New jail built. House of correction built at Quaise. 

21 



1807. 

On October 1, ship Union of Nantuckiet was struck by 
a gperm whale when twelve days out and sank. Crew 
landed at Azores, being in boats seven days. 

1809. 

The Unitarian (Second Congregational) Society was 
formed, with the Rev. Seth F. Swift pastor. The church 
building was erected this year, on Orange street, and was 
dedicated November 9th. 

Gideon Gardner elected congressman. 

1809—10. 

Nantucket had nine Representatives, one State Sena- 
tor and one United States Congressman these years. 

1810. 

Population 6,807. 

First ship built on Nantucket was launched this year 
and named "Rose." 

1811. 

Seventeen ships and seven schooners sailea rrom Nan- 
tucket. 

Gideon Gardner re-elected congressman. 

1812. 

Eleven Nantucket vessels captured by the British and 
the crews made prisoners of war. 

A fire in the easterly part of the town consumed eight 
buildings. Loss $6,000. 

A petition for protection was sent by the people of 

22 



Nantucket to James Madison, President of the United 
States. 

Woolen factory established on New North wharf by 
Obed Mitchell. Employed 200 persons. 

A brush and bellows factory established on Academy 
Hill. 

1814. 

Encounter off the south side of Nantucket, five miles 
distant, between the American privateer Neufchatel and 
five boats from the British frigate Endymion, October 
11th. One hundred of the crew of the latter were killed 
and only five of the former, one of whom (the pilot, 
Charles J. Hillburn) was a Nantucket man. 

1814-15. 

Scarcity of food this winter. A "soup-house" was 
established in a building near the corner of Main and Gard- 
ner streets, where soup was dispensed free to the poor 
families. 

1815. 

When peace was declared, Nantucket held a general 
jollification (in February). Bells were rung, lights were 
burned from the church towers, and men and boys went 
through the streets shouting and cheering. Jonathan Park- 
er, with a chair lashed on a peat-sled for a sleigh, with a 
small American flag flying, drove from town through the 
villages of Polpis and Quaise, spreading the glad tidings 
of peace. One-half of the vessels belonging to Nantuck- 
et had been taken and condemned during the war. 

February 2 was the coldest day ever known on the isl- 
and, the thermometer registering 11 degrees below zero. 

Social library instituted, with Josiah Hussey president. 

23 



Portuguese bell placed in the south tower. 
Lighthouse on Great Point was destroyed by lire this 
year. 

1816. 

The first newspaper was published, May 6th, called the 
Nantucket Gazette, but not receiving the expected patron- 
age, it was discontinued March 1, 1817. Copies of the 
Gazette are in the Atheneum library. 

In November the lighthouse on Great point was de- 
stroyed by fire. 

1818. 

The first steamboat (the Eagle, 80 tons) crossed Nan- 
tucket sound on the fifth of May, with about sixty passen- 
gers. The boat ran but one season. This was the first 
regular schedule of steam communication established in 
New England. 

Capt. George W. Gardner, in ship Globe, discovered 
"off-shore whaling grounds" off the coast of Chile. 

The present Pacific National Bank building was erect- 
ed. 

Maria Mitchell, noted astronomer, born in Nantucket, 
August 1st. 

Rising Sun Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, dedicated 
November 25 and was in existence until September, 1840. 

1819. 

Fifty-seven ships and four brigs were engaged in the 
whale fishery, besides a number of sloops. 

Capt. Joseph Allen, in ship Maro, discovered "Japan 
grounds." 

The first steam vessel, the "Savannah," crossed the 
Atlantic this year. She was commanded t)y Capt. Robert 
Inot, who was bom on the island of Nantucket. 

24 



1820. 

The Rev, Abner Morse pastor of the First Congrega- 
tional church. 

Population 7,266. 

The Mechanics Association, a literary organization, 
formed. 

"Bug Light" established on south side of Nantucket 
harbor. First keeper Caleb Cushman. 

Loss of ship Essex in Pacific ocean, November 20th, 
sunk by a whale. Survivors of crew^ were obliged to re- 
sort to cannibalism in order that any might return alive. 

1821. 

Seventy-eight ships, six brigs, sixteen schooners, fif- 
ty-nine sloops, were engaged in whaling and coasting from 
Nantucket. Total tonnage 27,445. 

The "Newtown Gate" was in existence until this year 
M'^hen it was removed. 

The Nantucket Inquirer was established by J. T. Mel- 
cher, with Samuel H. Jenks as editor. First issue June 23. 

A brass foundry established on the south beacli. 

Trees were planted in the town this year — a species of 
two-thorn acacia. 

1822. 

Ship Globe, Capt. Thomas Worth, sailed. During 
1823 the crew mutinied, killing Captain Worth and three 
officers. Ship returned to Nantucket, November 14, 1824. 

Arthur Cooper, a fugitive slave from Virginia, with 
his family, were rescued from pursuers and protected by 
Quaker citizens. (First case on record). Cooper lived 
and died here. 

The last full-blooded Indian died this year. Her name 

25 



was Dorcas Honorable and her father was Isaac Earop and 
her mother Sarah Tashma. She was born April 27, 1776. 

"Urbanity Lodge," F. & A. M., founded this year. 

The town bought Quaise Farm for $6700 and erected 
an asylum there. 

1823. 

The first "town clock" in Nantucket was placed in ser- 
vice this year in the tower of the South Congregational 
church building. It was built on the island and remained 
in service until replaced by the present one in 1881. 

The Methodist church building was erected on Centre 
street and dedicated September 24. 

First powder-house erected. 

Columbian Library Association was formed. 

1824. 

The milestones were placed along the 'Sconset road 
this year by Peter F. Ewer. 

Steamer Connecticut visited the island under command 
of Capt. R. S. Bunker. 

1826. 

Ferdinand C. Ewer bom February 22. 

Another newspaper was started, called the Nantucket 
Journal, which was published less than a year. 

Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin visited the island and gave 
a sum to found a school for his kinsfolk, a large part of 
the inhabitants of Nantucket being akin to him. 

1827. 

Two public schools were established and the Coffin 
School opened. 

26 



The Universalist Church Society was formed this year. 
The Society owned the site of the present Atheneum build- 
ing, upon which a church building was erected. The Uni- 
versalist Society was in existence until 1834. Rev. George 
Bradburn was the pastor. 

1828. 

The Cross Rip lightship was established this year, the 
first floating beacon in this vicinity. 

A dredging machine was brought to Nantucket to cre- 
ate greater depth of water in the harbor. Scheme not a 
success. 

Steamer Hamilton (50 tons) placed in service between 
Nantucket and New Bedford. The boat ran about six 
months, but was a dismal failure. 

A school of twenty-six blackfish stranded in the chord 
of the bay on November 3d. 

1829. 

Ship Loper, Capt. Obed Starbuck, sailed. After four- 
teen months and fourteen days the ship brought home 
2,280 barrels of sperm oil, valued at $50,000. 

Steamer Marco Bozzaris made her first trip to Nan- 
tucket on the 29th of April, under command of Capt. Ed- 
ward H. Barker. 

The North (Friends) meeting was discontinued and 
the Hicksites, seceding from the main body, erected the 
building on Main street after^vards known as Atlantic Hall, 
where they held meetings until 1851. 

-1830. 

Nantucket was third commercial town in Massachu- 
setts at this time. 

27 



Population 7,202. 

Ship Sarah, Capt. Frederick Arthtir, arrived home 
April 19 from three years' voyage, with the largest amount 
of sperm oil ever brought in before or since — 3497 barrels, 
valued at $98,000. 

1831. 

A cold winter. No fuel to be obtained and several old 
buildings were cut up for firing. Vessels arrived at 
Brant point with wood, which sold readily at $22.00 per 
cord. 

The York Street Colored Baptist society was formed, 
occupying the building on York street formerly used by 
the town as a school-house for colored children. 

First coal stove used on Nantucket this year, brought 
by Isaac Austin. 

1832. 

Largest whaling fleet that ever sailed from Nantucket 
in one year, consisting of forty vessels. 

Steamer Telegraph (171 tons) made her first trip on 
the 4th of October, under command of Capt. Edward H. 
Barker. In service until July, 1858. 

The first steam mill erected on the island established 
on the north beach by Daniel Mitchell. 

1833. 

Three fire cisterns built on Main street. 
Sloop Fame, Capt. Peter Myrick, sailed in search of 
sea serpents. Returned empty. 

Nantucket Steamboat Company organized. 

28 



1834. 

The Congregational meeting-house was erected and 
dedicated November 6th. 

In March, the state legislature passed a bill establish- 
ing the Nantucket Institution for Savings. 

A silk factory operated on Gay street by Aaron Mit- 
chell. 

The Nantucket Atheneum incorporated. The land 
was donated by Charles G. Coffin and David Joy, and the 
building purchased through public subscription. 

The original or Orthodox body of Quakers built the 
Fair street meeting-house and in 1838 they erected the 
school-house — now owned by the Historical Association. 

1835. 

Daniel Webster visited the island to try a case in 
court. 

Name of India street was changed to Pearl street and 
State street to Main street. 

About this time there was a scheme for making a port 
of refuge inside Great Point. The government made sur- 
veys and the engineers advised it. 

1836. 

Disastrous fire on Main street. The Washington ho- 
tel and several stores being consumed. 

Disruption among members of the Methodist church. 

1837. 

Main street business section was first paved with 
cobble-stones this year. 

Financial panic in Nantucket. 

29 



1838. 

The **Bug Light" beacons established by the govern- 
ment on the cliff beach. First keeper, Peleg Easton. 

Great fire in the eastern section of the town, along the 
south beach, and much valuable property destroyed. Loss 
$300,000. 

High School opened, with Cyrus Pierce as principal. 

Fair street school-house erected by Friends. 

1839. 

Trinity church (Episcopal) erected on the north side 
of Broad street. This parish had been organized a short 
time before by Moses Marcus, D. D. 

Baptist church society organized June 9. Rev. Dan- 
iel Round first pastor. 

Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin died at Cheltenham, Eng- 
land, aged 80 years. 

1840. 

Baptist Church building erected on Summer street. 

A new newspaper (Democratic), called The Islander, 
started this year by Charles C. Hazewell. Expired in 
1843. 

Population 9,712. 

Epidemic of small pox this year. 

System of telegraphing by signals between Nantuck- 
et and Woods Hole, via islands of Marthas Vineyard, 
Mus|keget and Tuckernuck, was inaugurated and main- 
tained successfully several months. 

This year the massive pillars were constructed in 
front of the Methodist church on Centre street, when the 
roof was( changed from a four-pitch to its present form. 

30 



"Sunset longitude" discovered by Owen C. Spooner 
of Nantucket, while on ship Atlantic, December 16, 1840. 

1841. 

Frederick Douglas visited Nantucket this year. 

Barker Burnell of Nantucket elected to Congress. 

Anti-slavery convention in Atheneum Hall. 

Severe storm on October 3d drove ships Rose and 
Planter ashore, demolished a rope-walk and cut away tTie 
'Sconset bank fifty feet, a dwelling, two bams and several 
smaller buildings going down the bank. Tide rose three 
feet above the wharves. 

1842. 

Three young willow trees from the grave of Napoleon, 
on the island of St. Helena, were brought to Nantucket 
on. ship Napoleon and planted on the east side of Centre 
street, near the corner of Broad. 

The "camels" were built by Peter Ewer for carrying 
ships over Nantucket bar. The first ship to enter them 
was the Phebe, but the first to make practical use of them 
was the Constitution, on September 23d. (See "The Sto- 
ry of the Island Steamers" for details.) 

Steamer Massachusetts made her first trip to Nan- 
tucket, July 4th. 

The banner year of Nantucket's whale fishery, with 
86 ships and barks, 2 brigs and 2 schooners, with a capaci- 
ty of 36,000 tons, hailing from the island. 

Ship Joseph Starbuck lost on Nantucket bar, Nov. 27. 

i 1843. 

^m Whale fishery commenced to decline. 
■ Barker Burnell elected to congress — the last congress- 
man from Nantucket. 

31 



Another newspaper called The Telegraph started in 
June by A. B. Robinson and W. Bradford. Published but 
a short time. Issued as a daily for a few months. 

1844. 

"Poor farm" at Quaise destroyed by fire, February 
21. Ten inmates burned to death. 

1845. 

Odd Fellows lodge started in NantucTcet this year. 

The Nantucket Weekly Mirror was first published by 
the Hon. John Morissey, and continued a thriving sheet 
until it consolidated with The Inquirer in 1865. | 

A third paper called The Warder was also started 
this year, its first issue being on December 27, 1845, with 
Samuel H. Jenks as editor. Was in existence less than 
two years. 

Steamer Naushon built this year. 

Another split occurred in the Society of Friends, and 
the Gurneyite branch later built a meeting-house on Cen- 
tre street (now the building used as a dining-room by the 
Roberts House). 

1846. 

The Ladies' Union Circle was organized January 6th. 

Great fire July 13 and 14, wiping away over one-third 
of the town. Trinity church, the Atheneum library and 
museum, together with about four hundred buildings, were 
destroyed, and but one store was left standing. Dona- 
tions for relief of the sufferers, to the amount of about 
$100,000, were sent to the island from abroad. Over one 
million dollars* worth of property was destroyed by the 
conflagration. 

32 



Whaling on the decline. 

Barker Burnell elected senator. 

Main street business section relocated, the north line 
being moved back twenty feet. Marble slabs were placed 
on some of the street corners (still in evidence). They 
are said to denote the boundaries of the burnt district. 

Louise S. Baker bom October 17. 

William D. Clark, the famous town crier, born No- 
vember 17th. 

1847. 

Nantucket had no representative in the legislature 
this year. 

Present Atheneum library building opened February 1. 

On March 21st a number of new stores were lighted 
on Main street for the first time since the "great fire," 
with a general jollification. 

Pleasant Street Baptist Society (colored) organized, 
with Rev. James E. Crawford, a barber-minister, as pas- 
tor. He held the position forty-one years — until his 
death in 1888. 

Pine trees planted by Josiah Sturgis. 

Sons of Temperance (Harmony) hall, on Federal 
street, built. Afterwards the building was used as a 
Catholic church and was torn down in 1896 to give place to 
the new church edifice. 

Comet discovered by Maria Mitchell on October 1st. 

Stranding of ship Louis Philippe off Nantucket, De- 
cember 17th. 

1848. 

John Elkins of Nantucket elected a presidential elec- 
tor and William Mitchell on the governor's council. 

33 



1849. 

Custom of ringing the bell thrice daily — at 7 a. m,, 
12 noon and 9 p. m., — started permanently February 12 
by order of the selectmen. 

Roman Catholic services first held on the island this 
year. The old town hall was first used as a place of wor- 
ship and later Pantheon hall. Rev. Fr. McNulty of New 
Bedford was the first to celebrate Mass. 

The Episcopal Society erected a church building on 
Fair street. 

Last ship (Martha) brought in by the camels June 
8th. 

A large exodus from Nantucket this year owing to 
the California "gold fever." 

The Pollock Rip lightship was established this year. 

1850. 

Population 8,770. 

Friends' meeting-house built on Centre street. (Now 
Roberts House dining-room). 

Lighthouse on Sankaty Head erected. First keeper 
Alexander D. Bunker. First lighted February 1st. 

1851. 

Elm trees planted on Main street in April, by Charles 
G. and Henry Coffin, 

1852. 

Erection of new Coffin School building commenced. 

Main street from "the square" to the Starbuck houses 
was paved. 

The West Grammar school-house was destroyed by 
fire July 8th. 

34 



More pine trees were planted during this and the fol- 
lowing year. 

Friends* meeting-house on Main street purchased and 
Atlantic Straw Works started there, employing between 
two and three hundred females. 

1854. 

The present town asylum was erected this year. Sec- 
tions of the old building at Quaise were moved down and 
entered into its construction. 

The House of Correction, built at Quaise in 1805, was 
moved to its present site. 

Steamers Metacomet and Eagle's Wing built this 
year. 

Joseph Mitchell elected senator. 

The lightship was established on Nantucket South 
Shoals, June 15th, this year, with Samuel Bunker of Nan- 
tucket the first captain of the beacon. 

Loss of ship Manchester, August 28. Captain Coffin 
killed by natives. 

Opening of steamboat route between Nantucket and 
Hyannis, September 26th, 

Present Coffin School building on Winter street was 
opened. 

Gas lighted for first time on the island November 22. 

Abram Quary (Abraham Quady) the last man with 
Indian blood in him, died November 25, aged 82 years and 
10 months. 

1855. 

Steamer Island Home built and placed in sei'vice be- 
tween Nantucket and Hyannis. Made her first trip Sep- 
tember 5 th, 

Joseph Mitchell elected State Auditor. 

35 



1856. 

Bug- Light beacons refitted. 

Present dwelling erected at Brant point lighthouse 
station. 

Propeller steamer Jersey Blue in service between 
Nantucket and New York. 

Cable laid from Great Point, Nantucket, to Monomoy 
Point, Cape Cod, August 19th. It broke two months 
after communication was established. A section was 
pulled up by a quahaug dredge in the fall of 1916 and was 
found to be in perfect condition. 

First exhibition of the Nantucket Agricultural Soci- 
ety held October 28. Display in Atheneum Hall. Pub- 
lic exercises in Methodist church. Cattle exhibited in 
lot opposite Atheneum, comer Federal and Chestnut 
streets. 

Nantucket High School building on Academy Hill 
dedicated December 2. Cost $20,000. 

William Barney elected senator. 



1857. 

Up to and including this year Nantucket had four 
representatives in the legislature. 

A hard winter for Nantucket. Harbor closed from 
December 20 to February 6. Steamer New York, from 
Glasgow, coaled up by Nantucketers off 'Sconset, January 
28. 

First appearance of the Nantucket Band, February 26. 

Whale captured off Surfside and towed ashore and 
cut up May 21. Blubber was tried out at oil works of 
C. G. & H. Coffin. 



36 



1858. 

Steamers Telegraph and Massachusetts were sold this 
year, leaving Nantucket on July 5, the Mas'sachusetts tow- 
ing the other boat. 

The Catholic Society secured Harmony Hall on Fed- 
eral street in which to hold services, under Rev. Fr. Hen- 
nis, which was later consecrated as St. Maiy's Church. 

John Morissey of Nantucket elected to governor's 
council. 

The lightship was placed on Handkerchief Shoal in 
Nantucket sound this year. 

Nantucket's representative's reduced to three. 

1859. 

A boot and shoe factory was started this year. 

The Mission School started by Miss Ann Morselander 
and Mrs. Marianna Harper. 

Ship Three Brothers returned April 20, with 6000 bar- 
rels whale oil — the largest cargo of oil ever taken. 

Ship Planter burned on railway at Brant Point, Oc- 
tober 28. 

From 1859 to 1868 Nantucket had two representatives 
in the legislature. 

1860. 

Population 6,094. 

Six vessels sailed from Nantucket. 

Alfred Macy of Nantucket dected presidential elec- 
tor. 

Phebe Fuller attacked by Patience Cooper, a colored 
woman, on November 22 and died December 12 from her 
injuries. 

37 



1861. 

Steamer Eagles Wing destroyed by fire on the Prov- 
idence river. 

1861-5. 

Nantucket sent 213 men into the Union army and 126: 
into the navy, 56 more than her quota. 

1862. 

Steamer Monohansett built. 

1864. 

Manufacture of linen coats or "dusters" w^as intro- 
duced by Charles Lawrence. 

Steamer River Queen built. Used as General Grant's 
dispatch boat. In service on Nantucket route from 1873 
to 1880. 

1865. 

Population 4,748. 809 legal voters. 

Hon. James Easton elected senator. 

High School Alumni Association organized. Re- 
unions held in 1865, 1866 and 1869. 

The two island papers, The Inquirer and The Mirror, 
consolidated and the name changed to The Inquirer and 
Mirror on April 1st. 

Troops landed from a stranded vessel on the south 
side of the island June 10 and marched through the town. 

Bark Islander, Capt. William Gash, while in Pacific 
ocean this year, captured a sperm whale 87 feet long, 36 
feet in circumference and weighing about 200 tons, yield- 
ing 110 barrels of oil. The jaw measured 17 feet in length 

38 



and was brought to Nantucket, now being a part of the 
Historical Society's collection. 

Wreck of ship Newton on the 25th of December. The 
crew perished. 

1866. 

Second reunion of the High School Alumni. 

Pines at Miacomet were planted this year. 

The Mission School building was erected on lower 
Orange street. 

Unsuccessful efforts were made to revive the whaling 
business, 

1867. 

Last regular meeting of the "Gurneyite" Friends in 
the Centre street meeting-house on January 10. 

The town voted to maintain a school-house on Tuck- 
ernuck and the building on Milk street formerly used as 
an engine-house was taken down and carried to Tucker- 
nuck for the purpose. 

1868. 

William Henry Waitt was representative. 

Bark R. L. Barstow sailed. She was the last whaling 
vessel owned at Nantucket. 

First Memorial Day observance held in Nantucket, 
May 30th. 

Isle of the Sea, Royal Arch Chapter, consecrated Au- 
gust 27. 

1869. 

N. H. S. Alumni Celebration. 

Isaac Freeman Robinson was representative. 

39 



Historical map of Nantucket surveyed and drawn by 
the Rev. Ferdinand C. Ewer, D. D. 

A fad of riding velocipedes was started in Atlantic 
Hall. 

Hayden's bathing establishment built at the "clean 
shore." 

Smith's Point was separated from the island by a 
heavy storm on September 8. 

Beds of sea clams were discovered near Nantucket 
bar. 

First Catholic fair held in September. 

Quahaug beds discovered near Smith's point and Tuck- 
ernuck, which yielded six hundred bushels in one week. 

Three vessels sailed from Nantucket. Bark Oak, 
which sailed November 16 under Capt. W. B. Thompson, 
was sold in Panama in 1872. 

1870. 

Population 4,123. 

Reuben Pinkham Folger was representative. 

Nantucket reached the lowest point of its "decline" 
this year. 

A fair was held for the benefit of the Nantucket Ath- 
eneum. 

Bark Amy, Capt. Joseph Winslow, arrived May 30, 
with 1350 barrels of sperm oil. 

Brig Eunice H. Adams, the last whaler to arrive at 
Nantucket, came in June 14 under Capt. Zenas Coleman. 

1871. 

Steamer River Queen was purchased by the Vineyard 
line. 

Grand Masonic centennial celebration at Nantucket 
on June 27. 

40 



De Molay Commandery, Knights Templars, visited 
Nantucket, July 1. 

Consecration of Catholic Burial Ground on Sunday 
afternoon, July 23. 

Robert F. Gardner was representative. 

1872. 

Alfred Macy member of the governor's council. 

Albert S. Mowry started the Springfield House this 
year. 

Catboat Dauntless built this year and placed in serv- 
ice to and from the bathing beach. 

Nantucket commenced to be popular as a summer re- 
sort. 

The West Grammar School building was purchased 
by Mitchell & Hayden and a shoe factory started there. 

The 'Sconset postoffice was established in November 
with Miss Love Baxter as postmistress. Her salary was 
$12.00 a year and her father, Capt. William Baxter, re- 
ceived $8.00 a year for carrying the mails. 

1873. 

Island Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah, organized. 

The Nantucket Relief Association was founded Feb- 
ruary 25. 

Steamer River Queen was placed in service on the 
Nantucket route. 

Edward McCleave was Nantucket representative and 
Alfred Macy on the governor's council — last Nantucket 
man to serve there. 

Negotiations were on for the purchase of a large tract 
of land on the south shore, with three miles of shore front- 
age, for development as "Surfside." The promoters vis- 

41 



ited the island in July and were enthusiastically received. 

The shoe factory was destroyed by fire August 3d, 
when the manufacture of shoes on Nantucket ended. 

The Round Top Mill, which stood near the site of the 
present North Cemetery, was taken down this year. One 
of its stones was used as a base for the monument erected 
the following year. 

The town expenses this year were only $23,885.15. 

1874. 

Lowest tide on record March 21st. Only four feet 
of water in steamer's berth at the wharf. 

The Island Review was started this year by Isaac H. 
Folger, who was later joined by S. Heath Rich. The 
Island Review lasted four years, when its proprietors 
bought The Advance in Brockton. 

Large school of blackfish driven ashore on north side 
of the island July 1st and ninety-one were captured by 
Nantucket men. 

First season of two-boats-a-day during the summer 
months. 

President Grant visited Nantucket August 27 of this 
year. 

Soldiers' and sailors' monument erected on upper 
Main street in October. 

The roof was placed over the gasometer in October 
this year. 

A "bucket brigade" organized by the Nantucket Fire 
Department. 

Surf side life-saving station was established (the first 
on the island). It was manned for the first time Decem- 
ber 1st, with Capt. Joseph Winslow as keeper. First res- 
cue March 9, 1877, crew of bark W. F. Marshall. 

First trial of No. 4 hand fire-engine on December 11. 

42 



1875. 

Population 3,201, with 890 legal voters. 
Soldiers' and sailors* monument dedicated May 29th. 
Joseph Mitchell, 2d, was representative, serving two 
terms. 

1876. 

Catboat Lillian built in May. 

Steamer Island Belle built by W. F. Codd and W. M. 
Robinson, inaugurated the first steam communication be- 
tween Nantucket and Wauwinet. 

Nantucket Union Temperance Society formed, August 
28. 

1877. 

Great temperance movement. 

Paddle-wheel steamer Edith operated between town 
and Wauwinet. 

Charles B. Swain was representative. 

1878. 

Construction of the water works commenced. 

Henry Paddack was representative, serving four 
terms. 

Pitman & Ellis drug-store (now Small's) opened 
in May. 

Governor Rice visited Nantucket, July 26. 

Arthur H. Gardner issued the first number of the 
Nantucket Journal on September 25. 

A severe storm on October 12 (the worst since 1841) 
caused damage estimated between $20,000 and $30,000. 

Nantucket Institution for Savings in financial straits. 

43 



1879. 

Running water led into the town. 

Survey made for proposed railroad on Nantucket, 
route being staked from comer of North Water and Ches- 
ter streets, through Chester and West Chester to Maxcy's 
pond, across Trott's Hills, through Sheep Pond Valley, 
across head of Hummock pond, skirting south shore of isl- 
and to Surfside, thence across to Philip's Run to 'Sconset. 
This route did not materialize. 

Project for cutting through the Haulover. 

1880. 

Population 3,727. 

Legislature granted a charter to the Nantucket Rail- 
road Company on April 19th. 

Ground was broken for the railroad line May 3d of 
this year. 

The Sherburne News was published four months this 
year, with Frederick V. Fuller editor, and Albert G. Brock 
publisher. 

Bug Light, on the south side of the harbor, was dis- 
continued August 1st. Last keeper Benjamin F. Wyer. 

Water pressure from pipes of the new water company 
was tested in the Upper Square October 14th. Owing to 
prejudice, the firewards refused to permit the use of the 
town's fire-hose, so a reel of hose, with pipes and fittings 
was borrowed from New Bedford. 

Lucretia Mott died in Philadelphia, November 11th, 
aged 87 years, 10 months. 

Nantucket branch of the Women's Christian Temper- 
ance Union organized. 

Fifty thousand "linen dusters" were manufactured in 
Nantucket this year by John W. Hallett. 

44 



Nantucket Institution for Savings resumed business 
December 13, having been suspended under a stay law. 

Frederick Parker, the hermit of Quidnet, died in town 
asylum, December 18, aged 80 years. 

1881. 

Mansion erected for Charles 'Conor on the cliff. 

On February 4 five oxen were driven over the ice from 
the steamer Island Home, which was frozen in about a 
mile and a half in back of the bar from January 29th to 
February 10th and was supplied with coal and provisions 
over the ice. 

Bark Hazard wrecked on the "Old Man," February 
14. Seven of her crew perished. 

Competitive trial between fire-engine John B. Chace 
and hydrant pressure of Wannacomet Water Company, 
March 29. 

Work upon the Nantucket jetty (western) commenced 
this year, first stone being placed April 26. 

The old sloop Tawtemeo sold in May. 

Nantucket Railroad constructed to Surfside. First 
sleeper laid May 13. First train run July 4. 

Polpis school-house burned January 18. New building 
erected and opened May 23. 

The new town clock, gift of William Hadwen Star- 
buck, was first set in motion May 28. 

The Coffin Reunion was held from the 15th to 18th of 
August. 

Steamer River Queen sold. 

Death of Rev. Ferdinand C. Ewer. 

1882. 

Josiah Freeman was representative, serving two 
terms. 

4? 



Steamer Island Home nearly lost in blizzard off Tuck- 
emuck, February 5th. 

Hon. Charles J. Folger, a native of Nantucket, was 
appointed Secretary of the United States Treasury. 

The Surfside land boom at its height. 

'Scon set pump was rebuilt this summer. 

Hydrants first used in Nantucket in throwing water 1 
over buildings, March 9. 

James F. Smith drowned near Tuckemuck, March 23. 

Surfside road (Atlantic Avenue) widened this year. 

Nantucket's first street watering ^art purchased by 
subscription. 

Hotel erected on Tuckemuck by Marcus W. Dunham, 
known as "East End View House." 

President Arthur visited Nantucket on the U. S. S. 
Dispatch, September 7th. 

1883. 

Muskeget life-saving station established January 11. 
First keeper Thomas F. Sandsbury. First rescue, Feb- 
ruary 15, 1885, crew of schooner Lyndon. 

First wedding occurred on Tuckemuck island, March 
18 — Louis E. Thomas and Linda A. Dunham. 

Termination of the "packet" line between Nantucket 
and New Bedford, with the sale of schooner Lillie Ernes- 
tine, which succeeded the old sloop Tawtemeo in 1881. 

Riverside Hotel, on Providence river, taken down and 
brought to Nantucket and erected at Surfside. Hotel 
formally opened July 4th. 

Union Chapel at 'Sconset opened publicly for first 
time July 17. Formally dedicated July 26. 

August 29th, heaviest surf at the south shore known 
for years. 

46 



Coatue surveyed and mapped into house-lots. 
H 'Sconset postoffice re-opened September 1, with Mrs. 
P. M. Almy postmistress. 

The old Atlantic Hall building moved from Main 
street to Brant Point to become a part of the new hotel, 
in September. 

Coskata life-saving station established November 24. 
First keeper Benjamin B. Pease. First rescue Feb- 
ruary 20, 1884, crew of brig Merriwa. 

1884. 

Nantucket's strenuous sewer agitation. 

John W. Hallett was representative, serving four 
terms. 

Steamer City of Columbus wrecked off Gay Head, 
January 18. 

Polpis road built this year; relocated by county com- 
missionerd in March. 

Helping Hand Society organized March 25. 

Town debt was cancelled through generosity of 
Charles O'Conor on April 21st. 

Drowning of Bert Everett and Harry Hildebrand, by 
upsetting of their canoe. May 3d. 

Mechanics Band organized this year. 

Death of Charles O'Conor, May 12. 

Thomas J. Hall, member of construction gang, killed 
by falling from train en route to 'Sconset, June 18. 

Hotel Nantucket constructed on Brant Point; opened 
for business June 30th. Was 260 feet long. 

Nantucket had an "Antiques and Horribles" parade on 
July 4th. 

Nantucket Railroad extended to Siasconset. First 
train run July 8th. 

47 



Annex to the Ocean View Hotel at 'Sconset built this '>|| 
year. 

'Sconset had its first "illumination" in Au^st. 

The 'Sconset fire department organized and rendered 
its first service August 9th. 

Schooner Warren Sawyer wrecked on south shore De- 
cember 22. 

1885. 

English sparrows were brought to the island this 
year and liberated by Capt. Joseph Mitchell. 

John B. Dunham drowned near Tuckemuck January 7. 

The skating rink was built this year on the lot comer 
of Sea and Beach streets. 120,500 shingles necessary to 
cover the roofs, and 8,000 feet of lumber for the skating 
floor. The rink was formally opened June 29. 

Irregularities discovered in accounts of cashier of 
Pacific National Bank. 

Another locomotive in service this year named the 
'Sconset, which was brought to the island June 25. 

Rival bands held "hops" during the season — Hills' 
Band of New Bedford at Surfside Hotel and Mechanics 
Band of Nantucket at the Nantucket Hotel. 

Frederick Douglas visited the island on August 15th. 

'Sconset held its second "illumination" on August 28. 

The government cable was laid by tug Storm King on 
November 18. The first telegraph message was sent the 
following day. 

1886. 

Wreck of schooner T. B. Witherspoon on south shore 
of island, January 10th. Seven lives lost. 



48 



i 



The Sea Cliff Hotel was erected this year for Mrs. C. 
W. Pettee. 

Two whales captured off Tuckernuck on April 20th 
and tried out. One whale turned out forty barrels of oil. 
The oil and bone netted the men $2,400. 

The public drinking fountain was placed on Main 
street, opposite the foot of Orange street, where it re- 
mained several years before being moved to the lower 
square. 

Steamer was frozen out of the harbor until March 
13th. 

Steamer Nantucket built and placed on the route 
July 31. 

Five foxes were brought to the island and liberated 
by some evil-minded person. 

The freight-house on Steamboat wharf was enlarged 
this year. 

The government maintained a signal office this year 
until the establishment of the Weather Bureau station in 
October. 

Consolidation of the Nantucket and Cape Cod Steam- 
boat Company under the corporate name of the New Bed- 
ford, Marthas Vineyard & Nantucket Steamboat Company. 

1887. 

Steamer Waquoit was built this year. 

Railroad track moved in from edge of bluff at Surf- 
side. 

Foxes were numerous on the island and many were 
shot during the winter of 1887-8. 

1888. 

Henry Riddell was representative. 

49 



Franchise granted Nantucket Electric Light Company 
by Legislature. 

Excellent sleighing and skating on the harbor in Feb- 
ruary. 

Ernest H. Jemegan purchased business of Oliver F. 
Hussey, February 29. 

Irregularities discovered in March in accounts of the 
town clerk and clerk of courts. 

Underbill property at Shimmo ransacked by burglars 
in March. 

Another and larger catboat named "Lillian" built for 
the Wauwinet route. 

James M. Ramsdell broke out of the Nantucket jail, 
July 8, and escaped via Madaket, crossing the sound in a 
dory. Was captured in New York city on the 17th. 

"The 'Sconset Pump" and the "Town Crier" issued 
during summer season. 

Severe storm November 25-28. Cable broken. South 
shore of island cut away over 100 feet in places. Rail- 
road line washed into surf. 

1889. 

Anthony Smalley representative, serving two terms. 

Main street business section was repaved this year. 

Elaborate stable erected for R. Gardner Chase near | 
the bathing beach road. 

Maria Mitchell, the noted astronomer, died June 28. 

Bathing pavilion and toboggan slide in operation at 
Coatue this season. 

Electric lighting introduced into the town. Current 
first turned on Saturday evening, August 17. Hotels Nan- 
tucket, Springfield and Veranda were first places lighted. 
Congregational church lighted Sunday evening. Formal, 
opening of the station on September 3d. 

50 



Australian ballot system first used in Nantucket at 
state election November 5. 

Mu^keget life-saving station destroyed by fire on De- 
cember 27. 

1890. 

Population 3,268. 

Masonic Block erected on Main street. 

^ Survey made in January for proposed electric road be- 
tween town and 'Sconset. 
, First flag-raising at the High School on May 29th, 
Death of Frederick C. Sanford, August 13, 1890, aged 
81 years, 6 months. 
The "Wilburite" Quakers held meetings in the Fair 
^reet building until this year. 

Horse cars introduced in Nantucket. First car run 
September 20. Line extended from Main street to Steam- 
boat wharf, Brant Point and the Cliff. In operation two 
seasons. A financial failure. 

The lightship was established on Great Round Shoal, 
east of Nantucket, on October 10th. 

1891. 

Arthur H. Gardner representative, serving two terms. 

Capt. John Killen purchased business of Edward W. 
Perry & Co., June 1st. 

Point Breeze Hotel built. First opened June 20th. 

Steamer Gay Head made her first trip to Nantucket, 
July 8, with a big demonstration in her honor. 

Madaket life-saving established. First keeper 
Thomas F. Sandsbury. First rescue December 20, 
1903, crew of catboat Wild Rose. 

61 



1892. 

Remarkable rescue of crew of schooner H. P. Kirk- 
ham on Rose and Crown shoal, January 20, by Coskata 
life-savers, for which the government bestowed medals 
upon them. 

Town sued by Dr. F. A. Gardner on account of use of 
the Lily Pond ditch as a sewer outlet for the town. 

1893. 

Anthony Smalley representative, serving two terms. 

The "odorless excavator" was purchased by the town 
this year. A failure in every sense. 

Bark Mentor, laden with sugar, abandoned off Nan- 
tucket, April 23, boarded by Nantucketers and salvaged, 
the men receiving $14,500 for their efforts. 

Another brass band organized this year. 

Drawing first taught in public schools, with Alexan- 
der H. Seaverns instructor. 

Electric street lighting adopted by town this year. 

An August storm washed track of Nantucket Rail- 
road into the surf at Nobadeer. 

Town expenses this year were $34,900. 

1894. 

State road to Siasconset commenced. 

Nantucket Historical Association organized and in- 
corporated. 

Friends' meeting-house on Fair street purchased, for 
use of the association. 

Name of North street was changed to Cliff Road in 
October. 

Sons and Daughters of Nantucket organized. 

C2 



1895. 

John J. Gardner representative, serving three terms. 

Nantucket Railroad line rebuilt by a shorter route to 
'Sconset. 

Centennial celebration of the anniversary of the 
changing of the name of the town from Sherburne to Nan- 
., tucket, held on July 9, 10 and 11. 

P Steamer Petrel built for Nantucket fishermen. (Came 
to the island January 14, 1896). 

Eugene S. Burgess maintained a bicycle racing track 
near lower Orange street. 

The town bought a stone crusher this year. 

Alfonso Hall was built. Dedicated on the evening 
of December 21st. 

1896. 

The first steam fire-engine was purchased. 

Muskeget life-saving station rebuilt this year. 

Steamer Island Home sold and converted into a barge. 

The old Catholic Church building was removed from 
Federal street in June and the new structure built on the 
site this year. 

Water spout appeared in Nantucket sound, near Cross 
Rip lightship, on Wednesday, the 19th of August. 
■ Death of Rev. Louise S. Baker, September 19. She 
was pastor of the Congregational church from 1880 to 
1888. 

Nantucket celebrated the "sound money" victory on 
November 10th, with a bicycle parade in the afternoon 
and a torchlight procession in the evening. 

Opening broke through the beach at the Haulover 
in heavy storm on December 15 and remained open twelve 

53 



years. The widest opening was one-quarter of a mile in 
1904, available to craft drawing up to eight feet. Closed 
November 9, 1908. 

1897. 

The Joy residence at the comer of Cliff Road and 
Easton street removed this year, to give place to new 
residence for Dr. J. S. Grouard. 

The first phonograph, or graphophone, was brought 
to the island in February by Henry Nelson Lamb. 

Death of Capt. Nathan Manter, February 6, aged 78 
years. 

The Nantucket Telephone Company was in existence. 

The "Oldest House" was repaired and opened to the 
public in July. 

The "Old Mill" was purchased by the Nantucket His- 
torical Association, August 8, for $885. 

The first high Masls was celebrated in the new St. 
Mary's Church building on August 4, by Rev. Fr. McSwee- 
ney. 

Nantucket golf links were laid out this year. 

1898. 

Rollin M. Allen representative. 

Ship Asia struck on Great Round shoal, February 
20th, becoming a total loss. Twenty lives lost. 

Barkentine Culdoon wrecked on the south shore, 
March 23d. 

Schooner St. Elmo foundered on shoals east of Nan- 
tucket, March 31st. Only one man saved. 

The Coffin School was closed this year. 

The basin between Steamboat and Old North wharves 
was filled in by vote of the town during the spring of 
1898. 

54 



Collision between steamers Nantucket and Gay Head 
on July 29th. 

Disruption between members of the First Baptist 
Church under the ministry of the Rev. E. A. Tuck, caused 
a Reparation and the People's Baptist Church was formed, 
surviving several years, when the two factions reunited. 

Thomas W. King and family of Nantucket, lost on 
steamship Mohegan, off the English coast, October 15, 
1898. 

"Free fishing" agitation in Nantucket. Complimen- 
tary banquet to David B. Andrews and A. N. Hoxie held 
at Sherburne HouRe, November 11th. 

Separate Boards of Health and Overseers of the Poor 
abolished this year and their duties vested in the select- 
men. 

1899. 

William Hosier, last male member of the Society of 
Friends, died January 4. 

David B. Andrews representative. 

Anti-seining agitation. 

Barge John Spankalina launched February 28th. 

The first toll telephones were installed in Nantucket 
in March. 

Nantucket Union Temperance Society expired on 
April 3d. 

Iron pier erected in front of "Driftwood" at Brant 
Point. 

Block pavings were laid on North Water street. 

Last issue of the Nantucket Journal, November 23d. 

Friends* meeting-house on Centre street purchased 
by People's Baptist Church society and dedicated Novem- 
ber 23d. 

The Surfside Hotel collapsed in November. 

55 



1900. 

Arthur H. Gardner was representative, serving five 
terms. 

In August, Howard Willets brought the first "horse- 
less carriage" to the island, called a "mobile." 

In April and May a man came to Nantucket from 
the mainland and under contract with the town extermi- 
nated the thousands of prairie dogs which for several 
years had been devastating the moors. 

The Atheneum library was first opened as a free in- 
stitution on the 3d of April. 

The Siasconset Casino building was erected this year. 

New postoffice opened in Masonic Block, May 31st. 

The Atheneum was opened as a free public library 
on April 3rd. 

First collection from street letter boxes June 21st. 

Twenty-seven miles of electric light wire on the island 
up to August and nearly one thousand incandescent lights. 

Steamer Waquoit came to Nantucket and was used 
by fishermen ten years, when she was sold. 

Memorial fountain erected by Abiah Folger Franklin 
Chapter, D. A. E., a short distance west of the town on 
Madaket road. 

Eunice Paddock, the last member of the Society of 
Friends, died September 22d. 

Drowning of Conrad F. Goss, Frederick L. Howard, 
of Brockton, and Thomas Wall and Joseph P. Gardner, of 
Nantucket, in the upper harbor, October 11th. 

The Inquirer and Mirror first issued from its new 
quarters in Folger Block, October 13. 

Schooners Alaska, J. W. Cooper and J. Arthur Lord 
wrecked in chord of bay during heavy storm October 17. 

Schooner David S. Siner foundered off Pollock Rip. 

56 



Marthas Vineyard Telegraph Company purchased 
government telegraph cable between Woods Hole and the 
Vineyard. 

1901. 

Beach House built at 'Sconset this year. 

New beacon light on end of Brant point erected. 

Dedication of new engine-house on Orange street. 

Eifort being made to secure long distance telephone 
connection with the mainland. 

North Atlantic squadron visited Nantucket this sum- 
mer. 

Unitarian summer meetings held on Nantucket for 
first time this year. 

First year of open-air band concerts during the month 
of August. 

Wireless telegraph station installed at 'Sconset and 
placed in operation August 3d. First message received 
from steamship Lucania on August 16. 

Corner-stone of new St. Paul's church building laid 
September 5th. 

Schooner St. Thomas sunk in Muskeget channel, 
September 12. Crew saved by Muskeget life-savers. 

Telephone cable laid from Smith's Point to Tucker- 
nuck on December 28. On January 6th, 1902, cable was 
laid from Tuckernuck to Muskeget. 

1902. 

Death of Edgar Ramsdell by drowning in Smith's 
Point opening, February 17. 

Loss of schooner Fly Away on March 18. Crew res- 
cued by Surfside life-savers. 

57 



First type-setting machine installed in The Inquirer 
and Mirror office in March. 

The Pollock Rip Slue lightship was established this 
year. 

First artificial ice manufactured in Nantucket by J. 
Killen & Son, May 5th. 

St. Paul's Episcopal church building consecrated June 
11th. 

Upper Main street paved with vitrified brick this 
year. 

Sea Cliff Hotel property purchased by Providence 
parties. 

Maria Mitchell Association founded this year. 

Secretary of Navy W. H. Moody visited the island. 

James King, a young lad, drowned in Miacomet pond, 
September 3d. 

Steamer Uncatena launched June 25th. Made her first 
trip to Nantucket on October 31st. 

Temperature of 1.1 degrees below zero recorded on 
Tuesday, December 9th. 

1903. 

Fishing schooner Hattie and Maggie struck on Rose 
and Crown shoal January 29 and became a total loss. Crew 
of eighteen men landed on Great Point. 

W. H. H. Smith's stable destroyed by fire March 17th. 
Twelve horses perished. 

New electric station started. 

Albert E. Sivyer drowned from catboat near eastern 
jetty, August 29. 

Nantucket Athletic Club organized. 

Coffin School re-opened for manual training October 5. 

Special act of the legislature passed to permit town 
to construct water plant at 'Sconset for supplying water 

58 



for domestic and fire purposes. Not etccepted by the 
town. 

Legislature passed special act making Cliff bathing 
beach a "public park," thus saving it for public uses. 

1904. 

Nantucket Civic League organized January 14. 

Wauwinet Tribe of Red Men organized January 14. 

Interior of Methodist church remodelled. New lec- 
ture room dedicated on March 6th. 

Bathing beach leased by tov^nti to Clifford Folger, at 
special town meeting April 11, for $350 per annum, for a 
term of fifteen years with privilege of five years renewal. 

Steamer Monohansett wrecked in Salem harbor in 
June. A total loss. 

New organ placed in Congregational church in July. 

Corner-stone of new fire-proof building for Nantuck- 
et Historical Association laid on July 21. 

A water plant was established by the town at Siascon- 
set. 

Booker T. Washington visited Nantucket in August. 

'Sconset wireless station refitted by Marconi Com- 
pany in September. 

Government purchased building on Orange street now 
occupied by Weather Bureau. Station up to this time had 
been in Pacific Club building. 

1905. 

William C. Dunham representative, serving two terms. 

Development of Gibbs Pond swamp into cranberry bog 
started this year. 

Revenue cutter Mackinac landed mails and passengers 
at Quidnet, February 18th, Nantucket harbor being closed 
with ice. 

• 59 



New club-house opened by the Athletic Club, April 5. 

Opening of Progress Hall on South Water street, 
May 10. 

The town asylum was called "Our Island Home," by 
vote of the overseers of the poor, on July 4th. 

Museum of Nantucket Atheneum transferred to His- 
torical Association's collection. 

New York Yacht Club station established at Nan- 
tucket this year and maintained several seasons. 

Nantucket Hotel property sold at public auction for 
$3,000 to Edwin F. Atkins of Boston. The central por- 
tion of the hotel was purchased by the Red Men in De- 
cember. 

Martin L. Paschal drowned from tug Hamilton A. 
Mathes on Thanksgiving day. (Body found January 11, 
1906). 

Relief lightship No. 58, stationed on Nantucket South 
Shoals, sank while being towed by steamer Azalea, De- 
cember 11. 

1906. 

First power dory used in Nantucket by Jacintho 
(Jesse) Leial. 

Nantucket's "merchant marine" dwindled to one lone 
coasting vessel — schooner William P. Boggs. 

Death of Capt. Charles Grant, Nantucket's most suc- 
cessful whaling master, March 18th. 

San Francisco earthquake April 18. 

Death of Owen Holland, Jr., chief of police. May 30. 
Tombstone erected over his grave by popular subscription 
as a tribute to his memory. 

Arthur H. Gardner succeeded C. H. Crowley as collec- 
tor of taxes July 30th. 

The Nantucket Railroad was not operated this year. 

60 



Stage coach furnished transportation between town and 
'Scon set. 

Electric automobile coach line between town and 
'Sconset projected by William F. Codd and John R. Ba- 
con. (Did not materialize.) 

New bathing pavilion opened at Siasconset in August. 

Alvin Hull, town crier, died August 10th. 

Catboat Mildred sunk by steamer Nantucket in the 
harbor, August 29. 

Three summer residents brought automobiles to the 
island this season. 

The channel through Tuckernuck "slue" abandoned 
this year by the island steamers. 

Jesse H. Eldridge, first harbor master appointed. 

Clara Parker appointed librarian of Nantucket Ath- 
eneum. 

A Quaker meeting was held on the island in Sep- 
tember, when Hepsibeth C. Hussey preached to a large 
audience who gathered for the special occasion in the 
Fair street meeting-house. 

Old Atlantic Hall building, which, since 1884, had been 
the central part of Hotel Nantucket, purchased by the 
Red Men and moved to South Water street. 

Second steam fire-engine purchased. 

Edward N. Burdick a suicide by drowning Dec. 11. 

1907. 

First annual town meeting to be held in Red Men's 
Hall. 

The town appropriated money for advertising itself 
as a summer resort this year. 

Formal public opening of the Red Men's building on 
February 22d. 

61 



Ellenwood B. Coleman representative, serving three 

terms. 

Land on east corner of Broad and Beach streets 
cleared of old buildings to prepare for construction of 
Athletic Club's tennis courts, in March. 

Sea Cliff Hotel property acquired by Clifford Folger 
and W. D. Carpenter in May. 

Electric fire alarm system first tested May 14th. 

Nantucket Railroad purchased by Macy syndicate in 
June. 

The Inquirer and Mirror changed hands July 1, with 
Cook & Turner the new publishers. 

Boston parties came to Nantucket and tested the auto- 
mobile-exclusion regulation of the selectmen, with a 
lengthy controversy in the courts resulting. 

Revenue cutter Dexter broke into Nantucket harbor 
March 2d. 

Dwelling at Brant Point lighthouse rebuilt this year. 

Rip-rap stones placed on the beach at Brant Point in 
front of lighthouse. 

Wireless telegraph station at 'Sconset destroyed by 
fire November 15th. 

Little motor-car popularly known as "The Bug" placed 
in service by the Nantucket Central Railroad company. 
On November 29 it made the trip over to 'Sconset in 19 
minutes. 

1908. 

On the 23d of January an extreme wind velocity of 
130 miles was reached in one gust. Was the most severe 
sitorm in the history of the Weather Bureau station at 
Nantucket. Much damage resulted. Heaviest sea ever 
witnessed in the harbor. 

62 



Wreck of brigantine Fredericka Schepp in the chord 
of the bay on January 29. Nine persons rescued by Cos- 
kata life-savers. 

Death of Henry P. Brown, popular young business 
man, on February 21. 

Expense of construction of the eastern jetty computed 
$375,000. Estimated cost of the western jetty, begun in 
1881, was $112,000. 

Bill passed the state legislature in April permitting 
the Selectmen of Nantucket to exclude automobiles from 
the island from June 15 to September 15. 

The lightship was established on Hedge Fence Shoal 
on July 12th. 

Range lights at the cliff discontinued July 14th. Last 
keeper George Dolby. 

New beacon lights on Brant Point used for first time 
on July 14. 

Maria Mitchell Memorial Observatory dedicated July 
15th. 

Telegraph cable, which had broken, purchased by the 
Marthas Vineyard Telegraph Company. Repairs were 
made and cable was again in operation on August 4th. 

New gasoline motor-car run to 'Sconset on Nantuck- 
et Railroad, July 30th. Not a success. Shipped back to 
mainland October 8th. 

Opening at head of harbor closed. Team drove 
down from Coskata station on November 10 for first time 
in twelve years. 

First superintendent of schools in Nantucket this 
year, Miss Mary L. Lincoln being appointed. 
Streets numbered anew this year. 

63 



1909. 

Steamer Republic sunk off Nantucket in collision with 
steamer Florida, January 23d. 

Letter carrier service inaugurated June 15. 

New stand-pipe erected at Wannacomet pumping sta- 
tion. Old tank removed June 26. 

Governor Eben S. Draper visited Nantucket, July 6. 

Reconstruction of road-bed and new track laid on 
Nantucket railroad in June. Locomotive turned turtle on 
south beach by rails spreading, July 23. 

Nantucket Historical Association observed its fif- 
teenth anniversary with a banquet at the Sea Cliff, July 
21st. 

Earl Cadwell drowned off Wauwinet, July 25. 

Gymnasium hall added to Athletic Club building. 

A discarded "Fifth Avenue bus" placed in service be- 
tween town and 'Sconset during the summer, by Hough- 
ton Gibbs. 

"Break Neck Alley" transformed into "Sunset Pass" 
in September. 

William D. Clark, famous town crier, died August 17. 

Severe storm and extreme high tide on December 26. 

Town expenses this year were $68,455.38. 



1910. 

Benjamin Sharp representative, serving four terms. 

Comet seen on Nantucket on evenings of 23d and 
24th of January. 

State road completed to 'Sconset. Cost $52,983.83. 

R. T. Fitz-Randolph appointed trial justice for Nan- 
tucket county in March. 

64 



New locomotive and cars on Nantucket Railroad oper- 
ated the first time on June 7. 

Second artificial ice plant placed in operation in Nan- 
tucket on August 18. 

Crew of schooner Thomas B. Garland rescued by Cos- 
kata life-savers December 16. 

1911. 

Steamer Sankaty launched at Quincy on February 2d. 
First trip to Nantucket on May 2d. 

Boat from barge Stonington, containing two men and 
bodies of two who had died from exposure, landed on 
Great point, March 24. 

Meeting on April 18 to talk over project of Nantuck- 
et Hospital. 

Barnes boat-house fire on June 24. Four lives lost. 

Suction dredge deepened channel over Nantucket bar. 

Severe storm on July 28. 

'Sconset camivel held the week ending August 5th. 

Schooner Charles H. Wolston wrecked on Great Point 
rip, November 17. Crew rescued by Coskata life-savers. 

1912. 

Cutters Acushnet and Gresham made landings at 
Quidnet during freeze-up in February. 

State legislature appropriated $10,000 for deepening 
the anchorage area in Nantucket harbor. 

Last trial of a hand fire-engine in the town proper on 
April 24. 

The Nantucket Local Band made its debut on May 8. 

The auto-chemical fire-engine arrived on May 29. 

Interior of Pacific National Bank remodelled in June. 

Athletic Club landing pier built in July. 



New organ installed in Baptist church, first used July 

10. 

Revenue cutter Acushnet first visited Nantucket on 
August 14. 

Governor Foss visited Nantucket on August 30th. 

Nantucket Democrats celebrated victory at National 
election by torchlight procession on November 18. 

State commenced planting white pine trees on Nan- 
tucket, December 8. 

Heavy blizzard on December 25 brought first sleighing 
on Christmas since 1878. 

1913. 

Steamer Sankaty established a record between Nan- 
tucket and New Bedford on January 25, making the trip 
in 3 hours and 11 minutes. 

Death of Elisha Pope Fearing Gardner, Nantucket's 
eccentric "peanut man," on January 28. 

Death of William Barnes, Sr., on February 23. 

Death of Capt. Thaddeus C. Defriez, last whaling mas- 
ter of Nantucket, on May 21. 

A "big season" for Nantucket as a summer resort. 

Immense bed of quahaugs discovered north of Nan- 
tucket island by Sam Jackson in the fall of this year. 

Clinton S. Folger brought his automobile to Nantuck- 
et, November 5th. 

Drowning of Robert M. Ferris, of New York, while 
bathing alone in surf at 'Sconset, July 13. 

First hospital fair held July 15. 

Disastrous fire on Island View Farm, July 27. Loss 
$12,000. 

Auxiliary pumping plant of Wannacomet Water Com- 
pany, at Wyer's Valley, placed in operation August 4. 

66 



I 



1913-14. 

A record season for the island's scallop fishery. A to- 
tal of 7,968 kegs shipped from the island between Novem- 
ber 1 and April 1. 

1914. 

Edward H. Perry representative, serving four terms. 

Town voted January 29th to have a chief of fire de- 
partment instead of a board of firewards. 

A temperature of 4 degrees below zero recorded at the 
local Weather Bureau, February 13th. Coldest since sta- 
tion was established in 1886. 

Cutter Acushnet broke the ice embargo on February 
26 and released steamer Sankaty. 

New bell installed in the First Congregation church. 
First rung for the Easter service on April 12th. 

Jacintho P. Leial drowned April 23. Body found 
May 19. 

DeMolay Commandery, Knights Templars, of Boston, 
visited Nantucket the last week in June. 

The special exclusion act barring automobiles from 
Nantucket accepted June 18, by vote of 376 to 234. 

Schooner George P. Hudson sunk by collision with 
steamer Middlesex off Nantucket, July 11th. Four lives 
lost. 

Cape Cod Canal opened in August. 

Death of Rev. John Snyder on August 12th. 

Addition made to Academy Hill school building this 
year at a cost of $12,000. 

'Sconset wireless station closed by government for 
alleged violation of neutrality law, September 25. 

Drowning of Knute Youngdale, November 25. 

Six-masted schooner Alice M. Lawrence wrecked on 
Tuckernuck shoal, December 5. A total loss. 

67 



1915. 

Frank Souza drowned from catboat outside Nantuck- 
et bar, January 9. Body recovered June 2d. 

Nantucket swept by severe storm and extreme high 
tide, January 13. Wharves submerged, water rising near- 
ly to South Water street. 

Marconi wireless telegraph station at 'Sconset opened 
again under government censorship, January 17. 

Death of Dr. Benjamin Sharp, in Moreland City, N. 
C, January 23. 

Disappearance of Miss Eliza P. Simmons near Tom 
Nevers Head, February 9th. Probable suicide by drown- 
ing. 

William Kalmer caught in flounder net and drowned 
February 16. 

Steamer Sankaty took away 1196 barrels of fish pro- 
ducts, on March 1st. On the 6th the Uncatena took 1382 
barrels and on the 15th the Sankcty took 1426 barrels, 
which was the largest shipment made on one boat. 

Steamboat wharf rebuilt during winter and spring. 
First landing heading south in new berth made by steam- 
er Uncatena, March 22d. 

Lionel Rhea Butler drowned by falling from motor- 
boat Sadie, April 1. Body recovered June 16. 

Death of Dr. Arthur Elwell Jenks, May 24. 

Tragic death of Jessie Holliday Dana by drowning at 
Cliff beach, a suicide, June 17th. 

Visit of Knights Templars from New Bedford and Fall 
River, June 24. 

Joseph Gomes killed in fight by Luther Rose, both 
Bravas, August 1. Rose released. Case of self-defense. 

Hussey Block on Main street purchased by C. F. Wing 
Company, October 21. 

68 



Old Curiosity Shop, on Middle Pearl street, passed 
out of existence the week of October 23. 

Wreck of six-masted schooner Alice M. Lawrence set 
on fire November 27th, burning to water's edge. 

Albert G. Brock resigned as cashier of Pacific Na- 
tional Bank, December 1. George C. Rule appointed. 

Captain Charles Hubbs killed by fall into hold of 
schooner L. L. Hamlin, on December 13th. 

Death of "Billy" Bowen, a 'Sconset character, on De- 
cember 16. 

Nantucket's first community Christmas tree held on 
evening of December 24. 

1916. 

Old Cross Rip lightship removed and a rebuilt vessel 
(formerly Succonnessett) was placed on the station in 
February. 

Heaviest snowfall for years on March 4th. 

Cutter Acushnet broke up ice in harbor to release fish- 
ing vessels on March 7. 

Jury sustained will of Horace Starbuck, April 13th. 

Tom Nevers Head land boom started. 

New store buildings in Folger Block erected. 

The Shovelful lightship was discontinued and the 
Stone Horse Shoal lightship established June 2. 

Suicide of Dr. Ellis V. Fanning by drowning, June 14. 

New telephone exchange on Fair street placed in serv- 
ice June 28th. 

Sunday, July 30, peculiar phenomenon known as a yel- 
low day. 

Submarine telephone cable laid across Nantucket 
sound in July. Capt. Arthur McCleave of Nantucket act- 
ed as pilot. Officially dedicated at public gathering Au- 
gust 29th. 

69 



First summer reunion of "Sons and Daughters of 
Nantucket" at Surfside, August 8th. 

Linotype typesetting machine installed in office of 
The Inquirer and Mirror, August 30. 

James Y. Deacon assumed postmastership on Septem- 
ber 7th. 

German submarine sank six steamers off Nantucket, 
October 8th. 

Three vessels wrecked off Great Point, December 26th, 
two of which were totally lost. Three-master Roger Dru- 
ry salvaged by Nantucket wreckers and towed into the 
harbor. 

1917. 

Island Service Company purchased business and wharf 
property of W. T. Swain & Co., January 1st. Old South 
wharf rebuilt this year. 

Special town meeting, January 26, refused to place au- 
tomobile question on Australian ballot at annual town elec- 
tion. 

Steamer Tampico stranded on Great Point rip, Jan- 
uary 31. 

Steamer Sankaty stranded on rocks off Wilbur's point, 
in Buzzards Bay, on February 20, and badly damaged. Re- 
paired at Hoboken and in service again March 30. 

February 28, the selectmen granted permit to plant 
oysters in Coatue bend, causing great indignation among 
the fishermen. "The oyster grant" became a strong 
factor politically. 

Heavy snowstorm and blizzard, April 9th, breaking 
telephone and electric light wires and putting the cables 
out of commission. Snowfall 11.6 inches. 

United States declared war on germany, April 6th. 

70 



May 1, Reginald T. Fitz-Randolph elected delegate to 
Constitutional Convention. 

May 9, snow fell for four hours before daylight — the 
first May snow-storm on record at the Weather Bureau. 

Manuel Santos, a five-year-old boy, run over and killed 
on Lyon street by a team driven by Manuel Viera, June 
15. 

William H. Dodge, 61 years old, instantly killed, Wed- 
nesday, June 20, at foot of Orange street, by trying to 
drive his team across the railroad track in front of the on- 
coming locomotive. 

Nantucket subscribed $411,000 to First Liberty Loan, 
in June. 

Nantucket held a community flag-raising on the even- 
ing of July Fourth, 

August 10, first of drafted men from Nantucket ex- 
amined at Barnstable. 

September 13, President Wilson visited the island on 
yacht Mayflower, accompanied by Mrs. Wilson. 

September 14-15, second lot of drafted men from 
Nantucket examined at Barnstable. 

September 17, heavy northeast storm. 

Nantucket subscribed $589,000 to Second Liberty 
Loan, in October. 

1918 

A hard winter, with several periods of isolation be- 
tween January 1 and March 1. 

February 1 — Cross Rip lightship torn from her moor- 
ings in Nantucket sound by ice and swept out to sea, 
being lost with her crew of six men. Last seen on morn- 
ing of the 5th in ice several miles east of Nantucket. 

Febi-uary 4 — Steamer Ruby, laden with supplies for 
France, stranded at west end of island a short distance 

71 



from the Madaket station. Was subsequently floated, 
after about 1900 barrels of lubricating oil were removed. 

February 5 — Worst cold wave on Nantucket in a cen- 
tury. Weather station recorded 6.2 below zero. 

February 26 — Hurricane signals displayed by Nan- 
tucket Weather Bureau station. 

March 14 — Automobile hearing at State House. Nan- 
tucket's last effort to keep out the machines. 

March 31 — "Daylight saving" first went into effect, 
when clocks all over the United States were advanced 
one hour at 2 a. m. 

April 9 — Last of the three Napoleon willows on Cen- 
tre street cut down. Root left in ground and new shoots 
started growing again. 

April 11 — U. S. transport Meade stranded near Great 
point. 

April 12 — Tanker Courier stranded on Long shoal in 
Nantucket sound. 

April 13 — Third Liberty Loan parade. 

April 13 — First air-craft crossed Nantucket sound — 
a hydro-airplane, making the trip over from Chatham in 
twenty minutes. Landed at the south beach. 

April 15 — Death of Private Howard F. Coffin of Nan- 
tucket, in Boston. Member of Co. G of 302 Infantry, 
U. S. A. First Nantucket life sacrificed since the Uni- 
ted States declared war on germany. 

April 17 — Four air-craft came over. Three landed 
safely at Brant Point. The fourth struck in shallow 
water near Coatue flats and was wrecked. 

April 24 — Governor McCall signed bill repealing law 
excluding automobiles from Nantucket. 

The roof was removed from the old gasometer in 
April. 

72 



April— Nantucket subscribed $130,000 to Third Lib- 
erty Loan. 

May — Nantucket contributed $8,115.45 to the Red 
Cross war fund. 

May 15 — Repeal of automobile exclusion law accept- 
ed by the voters of Nantucket — 336 to 296. 

May 18 — Seven automobiles brought to Nantucket 
on one boat, making eleven on the island the first week- 
end after repeal of the law. 

June 3 — First dirigible balloon came over to Nantuck- 
et. Did not land. 

July 1 — District Court established in Nantucket. 

July 1 — 'Sconset motor-bus placed in service by 
Pease & Ayers. 

July 3 — School of blackfish stranded on the north 
beach. Fifty-nine were harpooned and their oil tried out 

July 13 — Fishing schooner Evelyn M. Thompson 
wrecked at Low Beach. 

July 17 — Death of Corporal Chester F. Dunham of 
Nantucket at Ft. McHenry Hospital, Baltimore, Md., up- 
on return from over-seas service. 

July 19 — Byron L. Sylvaro died from wounds received 
in action in France. Only Nantucket man killed at the 
front. 

July 20 — New District Court room in Pacific Club 
building formally opened. 

July 21 — German submarine sank coal barges and 
burned tug off Cape Cod. 

August 3 — Three-masted schooner Sarah & Lucy, 
coal-laden, wrecked on Nantucket bar and became a total 
loss. 

August 3 — Another school of blackfish stranded, di- 
rectly on the cliff bathing beach. One hundred and 
twenty-eight were killed. No way to try out oil and 

73 



carcasses were finally towed out to sea and set adrift. 
Many persons indulged in blackfish "steak," which was 
served in some of the hotels. 

August 10 — Fishing fleet and a steamer attacked by 
german submarine on Georges Bank and six vessels sunk. 
Twenty-eight survivors (19 fishermen and 9 from Brit- 
ish steamer Penistone) landed at Nantucket. 

August 19 — Warren Barton Blake, a New York 
journalist, drowned off Sankaty while bathing alone. Body 
was recovered on the 26th, off Surfside, nine miles dis- 
tant. 

August 24 — Ninety-four automobiles on the island. 

September 12 — 251 Nantucketers between ages of 18 
and 45 registered for selective service and 97 "off-isl- 
anders." 

September 26 — Francis Leroy Wilkes, of Nantuck- 
et, drowned at sea on the U. S. S. Tampa. 

October — Nantucket subscribed $306,000 to Fourth 
Liberty Loan. 

October 9 — Fourth Liberty Loan parade. 

October 30 — Epidemic of influenza. Town took con- 
trol of hospital, placing William Wallace and W. Prentiss 
Parker in control of the situation. Epidemic lasted three 
weeks. 

A total of 192 Nantucketers "in service" in World 
War— 74 in army; 61 in navy; 39 in coast guard; 7 in avi- 
ation; 4 in radio; 6 in merchant marine and 1 nurse at the 
front. 4 died in service. 

November 11 — "Armistice" signed. Peace agree- 
ment between Allies and germany celebrated at Nantuck- 
et by ringing of bells, blovnng of whistles and suspension 

74 



i 



of business. Impromptu parade in afcernoon. Called 
"Victory Day." 

Arthur W. Jones representative. 

December 31 — Residence of Mrs. William Barnes 
ravaged by fire. Damage estimated $27,000. 

1918—1919. 

No ice in Nantucket harbor during this winter. An 
open winter with mild weather and only two or three 
light falls of snow. 

1919 

February 27 — Death of Dr. Ellenwood B. Coleman. 

May 10— Nantucket subscribed $2^,500 to Fifth Lib- 
erty Loan, which was $60,500 more than her quota. A 
total of $1,665,500 subscribed on the island on the five 
loans, making Nantucket the banner town in the United 
States, with a per capita subscription of approximately 
$555. 

Roadway on Steamboat wharf concreted this year. 

June 3 — Meeting of Society of Friends held by Job 
Gidley, Horace Foster and Cyrus Copper in the Fair 
street meeting-house. 

September 17 — The town presented a ship's bell to 
the U. S. S. ''Nantucket" of the Massachusetts Nautical 
School as a testimonial. 

Construction of Polpis road started on the half-cost 
basis between the town and the state, each paying $2,500. 

Ocean View Hotel at 'Sconset torn down in October 
to give place to new residence for Mr. and Mrs. Harry 
Burrage. 

October 20 — First "open season on pheasants," last- 
ing until November 20. 

October 21 — First submarine entered Nantucket har- 
bor. Docked at the south wharf. 

75 



November 1 — Fog bells placed in operation on end 
of eastern jetty and at Brant Point. 

Helping Hand Society disbanded. 

Radio-compass station established at Surfside by the 
navy department. 

The island fishermen organized an association and 
actively opposed efforts of the Fishermen's Union to force 
them to unionize. Fishermen received generous financial 
support to assist them in their fight. 

Arthur W. Jones representative. 

Fishing sloop Sakuntala wrecked on the east shore 
of the island December 8th, becoming a total loss. 

1919—1920. 

A hard winter. Island surrounded by ice for sever- 
al weeks. Harbor closed and fishing at a stand-still for 
two months. Many storms in succession; heavy snow-falls; 
cold, blustering weather through January and February 
and first week of March. 

1920. 

The town and state each appropriated $15,000 this 
year towards oil construction on Polpis road. 

Annual town meeting made appropriations totalling 
$120,914.25 — the largest amount on record up to this year. 

March 9th — Abandoned steamer Guilford taken in 
tow 58 miles off Nantucket by cutter Acushnet and towed 
to this island, where she was joined by a wrecking 
outfit. 

Precipitation during month of February was 7.00 in- 
ches — establishing a record for that month. 

By special grant of the Legislature the scallop season 
was extended through April this year. 

Hummock, Miacomet and Sesachacha ponds were 
open to the ^a in the months of April and May. 

76 



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